Then, she turned towards Yang Feng and asked,

"Are you wearing the cuff links?

"

Yang Feng readily nodded his head, proudly showing it to her.

"The red diamond is a darker color of red, but we're still matching.

"

Zhao Lifei was amused by his words. The rare red diamond's hue was practically black in contrast to her blazing red.

Only this lovestruck fool would think they were matching.

She brushed a stray hair that fell out of his slicked black hair and reminded him,

"Don't wear it everyday.

"

"I know. I still have the box you gifted me a while back.

"

Zhao Lifei finally remembered their little inside joke — the gift war. She had no clue who was in the lead now.

Yang Ruqin saw Yang Feng had received a gift and frowned, her bottom lip sticking out in the process.

"Feifei, where's my gift?

"

"At home. I'll give it to you when we have a girls' night.

" Zhao Lifei lied, making a note to buy a gift for Yang Ruqin.

"Really? What is it?

"

Zhao Lifei smiled, pinching her cheek.

"You'll find out when you receive it.

"

"Don't waste money on Ruqin, she doesn't need gifts.

" Yang Feng lazily drawled out, resting the side of his forehead on his propped up arm. He could see Zhao Lifei's face perfectly from this angle.

Yang Ruqin gasped at this.

"And you don't need them anymore than I do!

"

"I do.

"

"Nuh-uh.

"

"Don't make me repeat myself.

"

Yang Ruqin glowered at her brother, having a strong urge to hit him with her clutch, however, she did not dare to, for courting death from her brother was not the wisest decision. She sulked to herself, crossing her arms.

Zhao Lifei felt a pair of eyes boring a hole into the back of her head, but she did not look around. She had a feeling it was either Su Meixiu, Elder Yang, or her grandfather. But little did she know that it was someone else…

"Come now, let's go get some desserts.

" Zhao Lifei said when her stomach grumbled a bit.

Yang Ruqin hurriedly nodded, grabbing Zhao Lifei's arm before Yang Feng could place a finger on her. This greatly displeased him. A malicious shadow covered his eyes when he stood up, reaching over to snatch her back, but then Zhao Lifei detached herself from the both of them.

"Children, please be civilized.

" She chided, walking off without them and heading straight to the macarons with the Yang siblings hot on her trail.

She jumped when they pushed past her only to realize they were speed walking straight to the macaron tower, Yang Feng reaching there first because of his long legs. He shoved Yang Ruqin away with his shoulder and turned to his woman, a triumphant smirk on his face.

Zhao Lifei shook her head. Is it really that fun to bully your younger sister? At the thought of her own little sister, Zhao Lifei felt a pang of pain in her chest. She did not want to dwell on Zhao Linhua anymore.

"Stop bullying Qinqin.

"

Yang Ruqin smirked inwardly. Hmph, take that Feng-ge!

"She's small and prone to getting hurt.

" Zhao Lifei added on, to make sure she was not taking any sides.

It was Yang Feng's turn to smirk at the subtle insult.

Yang Ruqin's haughty smirk dropped, a small pout on her face.

"I am not small, Feifei, we're of the same height!

" She whined, instantly looping her arm around Zhao Lifei's lower arms, clinging onto her the same way she always did. It was a habit of hers to do this. Ever since they were children, Yang Ruqin would constantly either hold hands or have her arm around Zhao Lifei's.

"But you're very prone to getting hurt.

" Zhao Lifei stood firm on her words, grabbing the plate that Yang Feng gave her. She was pleasantly surprised to see he had selected her favorite flavors of salted caramel and white chocolate mocha.

"Thank you,

" She warmly smiled at him, biting into the delicious finger food, nearly moaning at how good it was.

Yang Feng was originally irked to see she was giving his annoying little sister her attention, but after receiving that award-winning smile from her, he felt his temper settle down.

He reached over and ran his thumb over the corners of her mouth, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"You have crumbs there.

"

He was about to lick his fingers, but Zhao Lifei grabbed his hand and wiped it with a napkin while her cheek became heated.

"There's a child here, don't corrupt her.

" She muttered, gingerly continuing to wipe his hand.

Yang Ruqin huffed, feeling like a child stuck between her parents who showed too much PDA 1.

"I'm not a child.

" She argued.

"Then stop acting like one.

" Yang Yulong said from behind her, giving her head a firm pat with a teasing smile on his face.

He decided to come to the couple after he was abandoned at the table where his parents began to lecture him about his playboy behavior. He ran away and sought refuge with the trio.

Many people were enviously glaring at Zhao Lifei who was surrounded by all of the Yang siblings, particularly the women who were badmouthing her earlier. They were now burning with bitter jealousy. Anyone would die just to spend a few minutes with any of the children of the Yang clan, but here she was receiving their attention without trying.

There was also a handful of people that greatly admired her. She was able to keep the Demon King in check while soothing Yang Ruqin's childish behavior. She handled the two of them very well.

Yang Mujian had been staring at her for an eternity now, ever since his delightful granddaughter ran towards the woman. He already knew the two had a very close relationship, for he had personally witnessed it when they were simply children. He was glad she did not remember him.

Zhao Lifei.

It was a tainted name, one that was ruined and tarnished by her own foolishness and horrible behavior. Seeing her now, he realized she had drastically changed. His sources told him it was because she enrolled in the military, only to abruptly leave because of her grandfather's request.

His lips curved into a cunning smile. His fool of a grandson did not know the real reason why she practically fled from the base. Even as she stood now, surrounded by the few grandchildren he deeply cared for, she did not know the General was still looking for her...